2

days

San Simeon

When you arrive in tiny San Simeon, which lies halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, you can see why William Randolph Hearst chose this coastal locale for his famous hilltop castle.

Start off your visit on the 16th (Sun): take in the history at Mission San Miguel Arcangel, then learn about winemaking at Adelaida Cellars, and then tour the pleasant surroundings at Moonstone Beach. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: step into the grandiose world of Friends of Hearst Castle and then identify plant and animal life at Elephant Seal Rookery.

Alexandria to San Simeon is an approximately 12.5-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from Central Standard Time to Pacific Standard Time is minus 2 hours. When traveling from Alexandria in April, plan for cooler days and slightly colder nights in San Simeon: temperatures range from 55°F by day to 48°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Mon) early enough to drive to Carmel.

3

days

Carmel

Carmel-by-the-Sea, often simply referred to as Carmel, is a city in Monterey County, California, United States, founded in 1902 and incorporated on October 31, 1916. Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and New Camaldoli Hermitage. Deepen your sense of the past at sights like San Juan Bautista State Historic Park and Cannery Row. Step out of Carmel with an excursion to McWay Falls in Big Sur--about 1h 05 min away. There's still lots to do: kick back and relax at Point Lobos State Reserve, pause for some serene contemplation at San Carlos Cathedral, contemplate the long history of Stevenson House, and tour the pleasant surroundings at Carmel City Beach/Carmel River Beach.

You can drive from San Simeon to Carmel in 2.5 hours. Another option is to take a bus. Expect a bit warmer weather when traveling from San Simeon in April: highs in Carmel hover around 64°F, while lows dip to 48°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 21st (Fri) so you can drive to Calistoga.

Traveling by car from Carmel to Calistoga takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi, flight, subway, and bus; or do a combination of bus and subway. Expect a daytime high around 69°F in April, and nighttime lows around 44°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Sat) so you can go by car to Yosemite National Park.

3

days

Yosemite National Park

Massive granite mountains, towering waterfalls, groves of Giant Sequoia trees, and wilderness as far as the eye can see distinguish the landscape of Yosemite National Park.

Step off the beaten path and head to Lembert Dome and Olmsted Point. Get in touch with nature at May Lake Trailhead and Tunnel View. Step out of Yosemite National Park to go to Mariposa and see Horse-Drawn Carriage Tours, which is approximately 1h 05 min away. Next up on the itinerary: admire the sheer force of Yosemite Falls, explore the striking landscape of Bridalveil Fall, and take in the dramatic natural features at Glacier Point.

You can drive from Calistoga to Yosemite National Park in 5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of bus, train, and taxi; or do a combination of bus, subway, and taxi. Traveling from Calistoga in April, things will get a bit cooler in Yosemite National Park: highs are around 59°F and lows about 27°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 25th (Tue) so you can travel to Lone Pine.

3

days

Lone Pine

Lone Pine is a census designated place (CDP) in Inyo County, California, United States. Do some cultural sightseeing at Manzanar National Historic Site and Mt. Whitney Fish Hatchery. Take a break from the city and head to Mount Whitney and Tokopah Falls. When in Lone Pine, make a side trip to see General Sherman Tree in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, approximately 1h 10 min away. It doesn't end there: examine the collection at Lone Pine Film History Museums and explore the wealth of natural beauty at Inyo National Forest.

You can drive from Yosemite National Park to Lone Pine in 3 hours. Plan for a bit warmer temperatures traveling from Yosemite National Park in April, with highs in Lone Pine at 73°F and lows at 37°F. You'll set off for home on the 29th (Sat).